Introducing young shooters to the exciting world of sporting clays is a rewarding experience. I am considering introducing my son, as well as some of my friends’ children who have alsp expressed an interest. However, the question I had was; what is the best shotgun for a junior in sporting clays? As a result I’ve been doing some research on how best to let them experience the amazing sport of clay shooting but making sure they’re comfortable and have the most optimal experience. This will be the first of a series of articles aimed at introducing young shots to the amazing sport of clay shooting.
Choosing the right shotgun is crucial to ensure a positive and enjoyable introduction to the sport.
Let’s explore the best gauge and cartridge options for junior shooters.
Gauge Selection: Finding the Right Fit
The ideal gauge for a junior shooter depends on several factors, including their size, strength, and recoil sensitivity. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular gauges and their suitability for young shooters:
.410 Bore:
Pros: Extremely low recoil, making it ideal for very young or sensitive shooters.
Cons: Limited shot payload, which can affect target breakage, especially at longer distances.
28 Gauge:
Pros: Low recoil, good balance of power and handling.
Cons: Can be more expensive than other gauges, and ammunition availability might be limited in some regions.
20 Gauge:
Pros: Good balance of power and recoil, suitable for most junior shooters. Wide availability of ammunition.
Cons: Slightly more recoil than smaller gauges, but manageable for most.
12 Gauge:
Pros: Most powerful gauge, offering maximum shot payload and versatility.
Cons: Highest recoil, which might be too much for younger or smaller shooters.
For most junior shooters, a 20-gauge shotgun is an excellent choice. It provides a good balance of power and recoil, making it comfortable to shoot while still offering sufficient power to break clays.
Cartridge Selection: Power and Comfort
When choosing ammunition, prioritize low-recoil loads. Look for cartridges with reduced recoil technology or lighter shot loads. Here are some tips for cartridge selection:
Start with low-recoil loads: Reduced recoil loads are specifically designed to minimize felt recoil, making the shooting experience more pleasant for young shooters.
Consider shot size: For most sporting clays targets, a #7½ or #8 shot size is suitable.
Pay attention to shell length: Shorter shells (2¾ inches) often have lower recoil.
Need to find the best price on shotgun cartridges? Try this article.
Additional Considerations:
Fit: Ensure the shotgun fits the young shooter properly. A good fit is essential for comfort, accuracy, and safety.
Weight: A lighter shotgun is easier to handle, especially for younger shooters.
Gun Safety: Always emphasize proper gun safety rules and practices.
By carefully considering these factors, you can help your young shooter select the best shotgun and ammunition to enjoy the sport of sporting clays. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and foster a lifelong passion for shooting sports.
